Editor’s Note
This article marks the closing of Switzerland’s oldest public fair, the Muba, after 103 editions. Its final event in Basel reflects on nostalgia amid changing consumer habits.
The 103rd and final edition of the Muba was opened in Basel on Friday. The last edition of Switzerland’s oldest public fair is placing a focus on nostalgia, among other things.
Vischer further stated that the Muba, often referred to as the “mother of all fairs,” has done its duty – with a view to the numerous fairs that have emerged from the spring fair, such as Swissbau or the watch and jewelry fair Baselworld. Therefore, the Muba will also have a lasting impact beyond its end.
Until February 17th, the “spirit of the Muba” is to be revived once more, as fair director Daniel Nussbaumer told the media. There will also be much nostalgia to see: for example, the history of the spring fair will be traced in a kind of cinema with old television reports. According to Nussbaumer, organizing the final edition was something special for the team. Strong commitment was needed for the Muba to take place at all again. It was unclear, for instance, whether the exhibitors would participate.
605 exhibitors – 16 fewer than in 2018 – are presenting their products and services at the final Muba. The fair is now limited to the historic Rundhofhalle and part of the fairground. Another concern of the organizers was to offer the public what they have expected from a Muba for many years. Therefore, as in earlier times, a guest country is represented: Japan. With Appenzell, not only a guest canton but an entire guest region is presenting itself.
As in historical times, when the fair reportedly attracted over a million visitors, the whole family should be able to come to the final edition and have fun. However, Nussbaumer does not name a target for visitor numbers. Admission is free this year. An official closing ceremony for the Muba is scheduled for February 17th at 4:30 PM. On this occasion, some objects from the inventory of the Swiss Sample Fair will be handed over to the Historical Museum Basel, such as historical Muba tote bags.
The MCH Group, which ran into difficulties due to fundamental changes in the trade fair and event industry, decided last year to discontinue the Muba as well as the public fairs Züspa in Zurich and Comptoir in Lausanne. The Muba has suffered from a decline in visitors for years. In 2018, around 124,000 visitors were still counted.